Henderson County jail employee charged with rape

A contract employee with the Henderson County Detention Center has been charged with rape and promoting contraband following an investigation by jail officials and the Kentucky State Police.

Henderson resident Brittany L. Murch, 26, who officials said was a contract employee at the detention center through a food service company, was jailed Wednesday on two felony counts of third-degree rape and two felony counts of first-degree promoting contraband.

"An internal investigation led to the point where we turned it over to the state police" because it was believed that a crime had been committed, Jailer Ron Herrington said Wednesday.

The state police said Murch is accused of having inappropriate sexual relations with a male state inmate housed at the facility. These crimes occurred in August.

"Anyone who works at a jail is in a position of authority. Regardless if it's consensual (sexual intercourse), by law, it is considered rape," said Trooper Corey King, public information officer with Post 16 in Henderson.

Further investigation revealed Murch allegedly brought methamphetamine and alcoholic beverages into the detention center for the inmate.

Murch was arrested Wednesday and lodged at the Henderson County Detention Center.

The investigation in continuing, and more charges could be forthcoming.